Houston, TX, [March 25 2021] – The Rose held their annual Luncheon celebrating efforts to help uninsured patients of the nonprofit get access to quality breast healthcare services like 3D mammography. This year, the event themed “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” was held virtually and engaged an audience of hundreds of viewers, fundraising over $300,000, a remarkable amount in the midst of the pandemic. Donations can still be made at www.therose.org/luncheon.
The event was Chaired by local philanthropist Jennifer Donovan O’Donnell, and the Committee featured Karen Donovan, Allison Allison, Shana Burrow, Allison Crosswell, Mary Margaret Greer, Courtney O’Neil and Callie Simons. Lisa Malosky, local sports reporter and a trailblazer in women’s leadership and empowerment, emceed the event.
The afternoon’s honorees, Jeannie Chandler and Jeannie Frazier, are Houston leaders and advocates who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Chandler was diagnosed with HER2 Triple Positive and strongly regretted allowing her annual mammograms to lapse. Frazier was shocked to learn she had triple negative, invasive ductal carcinoma at age 45, especially since she had conscientiously scheduled her mammograms six months between her well-woman check-ups. Both women have contributed greatly to local causes such as patient advocacy and volunteerism.
Featured speaker Dr. Jennifer Litton shared information about new discoveries in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Over the last couple of decades, Dr. Litton, who is the Vice President of Clinical Research and professor of breast medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, notes that looking at developments in examining tumors, DNA and immunotherapy treatments offer opportunities for advancements in treatment and care. She also reiterated the importance of getting screened early, even in a pandemic, encouraging guests to remember that The Rose is a trusted source for breast health and patient navigation, noting that The Rose’s success stems from the care of patients.
Special guest Mathew Knowles closed out the event with a message to men. In an effort to reduce stigma around breast cancer, Knowles shared his story and reminded men to learn more about their family history and consider genetic testing. Knowles reminded men to watch for signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to get screened for breast cancer should symptoms arise.
Attendees were also invited to learn more about the patients of The Rose through video testimonials of Natalie and Louise, two breast cancer survivors diagnosed at The Rose. Both ladies shared their journey and explained how finding a resource like The Rose in their community saved their lives. Natalie returned to The Rose for diagnostics and patient navigation after job loss left her uninsured. Louise was motivated to have her mammogram at The Rose after meeting Dorothy Gibbons at a luncheon and learning that her insured mammogram would help uninsured patients receive care at The Rose. Both women express gratitude for having their cancer diagnosed early and for the services provided by The Rose regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Widely recognized as the leading provider in access to care for all, The Rose typically serves 40,000 patients a year. Last fiscal year, due to the pandemic, The Rose served 29,328 people, of which 5,265 were sponsored mammograms. The Mobile Coaches, Rosie, Mysty and Hope, have been on the road and serving over 150 patients per month across over 41 counties. Each one is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the gold standard in mammography, 3D mammography.
To learn more about The Rose’s annual programming visit www.therose.org.
To schedule a media interview with any member of The Rose, please contact Ivis Batista at 978-885-7306 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.
